St. David’s United Church Order of Worship
October 25, 2020 Reformation

News and Announcements
 
Prelude
 
Lighting of Candle
In the scriptures, we are given the law, a tradition arising from our Jewish forebears. In that tradition, the law firmed up a community in the mix of daily life.
In the Christian tradition, the laws are firmed up in Jesus’ call, “Come, follow me. Love your neighbour as yourself.”
We light this candle as a people who know Jesus as the source of grace revealing the way and empowering us to follow.
 
Singing:  #639 VU One more Step Along the World
 
Call to Worship
The world says:
“Love your neighbours,
and hate your enemies.”
But Jesus said
that’s not good enough.
“Love your neighbours.
Love your enemies.
Pray for them.”
That’s what Jesus said.
Love my enemy?
Love your neighbour.
Love your enemy.
Pray for them.
What was Jesus trying to teach us?
Perhaps, if we pause and open ourselves to receive,
we’ll figure that out.
Then let us worship God!

Opening Prayer
God of all Love, we love that your laws, hopes and intent can be summarized in such a short verse:  Love all as you would yourself want to be loved!
But God it is so hard to love ourselves and others, especially those who are different or disagree with us on important issues. We pray that we will continue to journey with you, and learn to love more each and every day.  Through Christ, Amen.
 
Coming Together:  Growing in Faith
 
Reading from Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8   from the paraphrase:  The Message
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+2%3A1-8&version=MSG
 
Matthew 22:34-40  New Revised Standard Version
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A34-40&version=NRSV

We respond:
In ages past, disciples, prophets, priests and historians wrote down their faith. 
This is a faithful witness of our ancestors. 
Word of God for us today.
Thanks be to God.
 
Sermon:  Growing in Faith
 
Singing:   #89 MV Love Is the Touch
 
Giving Our Offerings:
Doxology  MV#135 “Called by Earth and Sky”
(chorus, sung twice through)
Called by Earth and Sky,
promise of hope held high.
This is our sacred living trust,
treasure of ife sanctified,
called by earth and sky.
     
Offering Prayer:
All the time we can give to your service this week,
God of all time, bless it.
All the treasures of our heart and funds we can give to your service this week,
God of all treasures, bless it!
Help us to offer you these things, O God, and remember that our very selves are whole and wondrous gifts.
Amen.
 
Prayer of the People

The Lord’s Prayer:  VU 916 Paraphrase
 
Singing:  #126 MV  Are You a Shepherd

Sending Out
Go forth, witnessing to our membership in the Body of Christ!
Let us show to the world the blessings that we receive from God.
Let us share our faith in Christ that brings healing to the brokenness around us
and our calling from the Spirit to reach out to all who feel lost and proclaim the Good News: God is with us!